Combination of zd6474, an inhibitor of the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor, with radiotherapy in the treatment of cancer

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a method for the production of an antiangiogenic and/or vascular permeability reducing effect in a warm-blooded animal such as a human, particularly a method for the treatment of a cancer, particularly a cancer involving a solid tumour, which comprises the administration of ZD6474 in combination with ionising radiation; and to the use of ZD6474 in the manufacture of a medicament for use in the production of an antiangiogenic and/or vascular permeability reducing effect in a warm-blooded animal such as a human which is being treated with ionising radiation.

The present invention relates to a method for the production of an antiangiogenic and/or vascular permeability reducing effect in a warm-blooded animal such as a human, particularly a method for the treatment of a cancer, particularly a cancer involving a solid tumour, which comprises the administration of ZD6474 in combination with ionising radiation; and to the use of ZD6474 in the manufacture of a medicament for use in the production of an antiangiogenic and/or vascular permeability reducing effect in a warm-blooded animal such as a human which is being treated with ionising radiation.

Normal angiogenesis plays an important role in a variety of processes including embryonic development, wound healing and several components of female reproductive function. Undesirable or pathological angiogenesis has been associated with disease states including diabetic retinopathy, psoriasis, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, atheroma, Kaposi's sarcoma and haemangioma (Fan et al, 1995, Trends Pharmacol Sci. 16: 57-66; Folkman, 1995, Nature Medicine 1: 27-31). Alteration of vascular permeability is thought to play a role in both normal and pathological physiological processes (Cullinan-Bove et al, 1993, Endocrinology 133: 829-837; Senger et al, 1993, Cancer and Metastasis Reviews, 12: 303-324). Several polypeptides with in vitro endothelial cell growth promoting activity have been identified including, acidic and basic fibroblast growth factors (aFGF & bFGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). By virtue of the restricted expression of its receptors, the growth factor activity of VEGF, in contrast to that of the FGFs, is relatively specific towards endothelial cells. Recent evidence indicates that VEGF is an important stimulator of both normal and pathological angiogenesis (Jakeman et al, 1993, Endocrinology, 133: 848-859; Kolch et al., 1995, Breast Cancer Research and Treatment, 36:139-155) and vascular permeability (Connolly et al, 1989, J. Biol. Chem. 264: 20017-20024). Antagonism of VEGF action by sequestration of VEGF with antibody can result in inhibition of tumour growth (Kim et al, 1993, Nature 362: 841-844).

Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) are important in the transmission of biochemical signals across the plasma membrane of cells. These transmembrane molecules characteristically consist of an extracellular ligand-binding domain connected through a segment in the plasma membrane to an intracellular tyrosine kinase domain. Binding of ligand to the receptor results in stimulation of the receptor-associated tyrosine kinase activity which leads to phosphorylation of tyrosine residues on both the receptor and other intracellular molecules. These changes in tyrosine phosphorylation initiate a signalling cascade leading to a variety of cellular responses. To date, at least nineteen distinct RTK subfamilies, defined by amino acid sequence homology, have been identified. One of these subfamilies is presently comprised by the fms-like tyrosine kinase receptor Flt-1, the kinase insert domain-containing receptor, KDR (also referred to as Flk-1), and another fms-like tyrosine kinase receptor, Flt-4. Two of these related RTKs, Flt-1 and KDR, have been shown to bind VEGF with high affinity (De Vries et al, 1992, Science 255: 989-991; Terman et al, 1992, Biochem. Biophys. Res. Comm. 1992, 187: 1579-1586). Binding of VEGF to these receptors expressed in heterologous cells has been associated with changes in the tyrosine phosphorylation status of cellular proteins and calcium fluxes.

VEGF is a key stimulus for vasculogenesis and angiogenesis. This cytokine induces a vascular sprouting phenotype by inducing endothelial cell proliferation, protease expression and migration, and subsequent organisation of cells to form a capillary tube (Keck, P. J., Hauser, S. D., Krivi, G., Sanzo, K., Warren, T., Feder, J., and Connolly, D. T., Science (Washington D.C.), 246: 1309-1312, 1989; Lamoreaux, W. J., Fitzgerald, M. E., Reiner, A., Hasty, K. A., and Charles, S. T., Microvasc. Res., 55: 29-42, 1998; Pepper, M. S., Montesano, R., Mandroita, S. J., Orci, L. and Vassalli, J. D., Enzyme Protein, 49: 138-162, 1996.). In addition, VEGF induces significant vascular permeability (Dvorak, H. F., Detmar, M., Claffey, K. P., Nagy, J. A., van de Water, L., and Seuger, D. R., (Int. Arch. Allergy Immunol., 107: 233-235, 1995; Bates, D. O., Heald, R. I., Curry, F. E. and Williams, B. J. Physiol. (Lond.), 533: 263-272, 2001), promoting formation of a hyper-permeable, immature vascular network which is characteristic of pathological angiogenesis.

It has been shown that activation of KDR alone is sufficient to promote all of the major phenotypic responses to VEGF, including endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and survival, and the induction of vascular permeability (Meyer, M., Clauss, M., Lepple-Wienhues, A., Waltenberger, J., Augustin, H. G., Ziche, M., Lanz, C., Büttner, M., Rziha, H-J., and Dehio, C., EMBO J., 18: 363-374, 1999; Zeng, H., Sanyal, S. and Mukhopadhyay, D., J. Biol. Chem, 276: 32714-32719, 2001; Gille, H., Kowalski, J., Li, B., LeCouter, J., Moffat, B, Zioncheck, T. F., Pelletier, N. and Ferrara, N., J. Biol. Chem, 276: 3222-3230, 2001).

The use of ionising radiation and a VEGF antibody in a number of mouse xenograft models has been described (Gorski et al, 1999, Cancer Res. 59, 3374-3378 and International Patent Application Publication No. WO 00/61186).

The use of ionising radiation and a soluble VEGF receptor (soluble Flk-1) and the use of ionising radiation and a KDR inhibitor, SU5416, in a mouse glioma xenograft model have been described (Geng et al, 2001, Cancer Res. 61, 2413-2419).

Quinazoline derivatives which are inhibitors of VEGF receptor tyrosine kinase are described in International Patent Applications Publication Nos. WO 98/13354 and WO 01/32651. In WO 98/13354 and WO 01/32651 compounds are described which possess activity against VEGF receptor tyrosine kinase whilst possessing some activity against EGF receptor tyrosine kinase. The compound of the present invention, ZD6474, falls within the broad general disclosure of WO 98/13354 and is exemplified in WO 01/32651.

In WO 01/32651 it is stated that compounds of that invention: “may be applied as a sole therapy or may involve, in addition to a compound of the invention, one or more other substances and/or treatments. Such conjoint treatment may be achieved by way of the simultaneous, sequential or separate administration of the individual components of the treatment.”

WO 01/32651 then goes on to describe examples of such conjoint treatment including surgery, radiotherapy and various types of chemotherapeutic agent. Nowhere in WO 01/32651 does it state that use of any compound of the invention therein with other treatments will produce surprisingly beneficial effects.

Unexpectedly and surprisingly we have now found that the particular compound ZD6474 used in combination with a particular selection of the combination therapies listed in WO 01/32651, namely with ionising radiation, produces significantly better effects than any one of ZD6474 and ionising radiation used alone.

According to one aspect of the present invention ZD6474 used in combination with ionising radiation produces significantly better anti-cancer effects than any one of ZD6474 and ionising radiation used alone.

According to one aspect of the present invention ZD6474 used in combination with ionising radiation produces significantly better effects against a solid tumour than any one of ZD6474 and ionising radiation used alone.

Anti-cancer effects of a method of treatment of the present invention include, but are not limited to, anti-tumour effects, the response rate, the time to disease progression and the survival rate. Anti-tumour effects of a method of treatment of the present invention include, but are not limited to, inhibition of tumour growth, tumour growth delay, regression of tumour, shrinkage of tumour, increased time to regrowth of tumour on cessation of treatment, slowing of disease progression. It is expected that when a method of treatment of the present invention is administered to a warm-blooded animal such as a human, in need of treatment for cancer, with or without a solid tumour, said method of treatment will produce an effect, as measured by, for example, one or more of: the extent of the anti-tumour effect, the response rate, the time to disease progression and the survival rate.

According to the present invention there is provided a method for the production of an antiangiogenic and/or vascular permeability reducing effect in a warm-blooded animal such as a human, which comprises administering to said animal an effective amount of 4-(4-bromo-2-fluoroanilino)-6-methoxy-7-(1-methylpiperidin-4-ylmethoxy)quinazoline, also known as ZD6474:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, before, after or simultaneously with an effective amount of ionising radiation.

According to a farther aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for the treatment of a cancer in a warm-blooded animal such as a human, which comprises administering to said animal an effective amount of ZD6474 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, before, after or simultaneously with an effective amount of ionising radiation.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for the treatment of a cancer involving a solid tumour in a warm-blooded animal such as a human, which comprises administering to said animal an effective amount of ZD6474 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, before, after or simultaneously with an effective amount of ionising radiation.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided the use of ZD6474 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof in the manufacture of a medicament for use in the production of an antiangiogenic and/or vascular permeability reducing effect in a warm-blooded animal such as a human which is being treated with ionising radiation.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided the use of ZD6474 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof in the manufacture of a medicament for use in the production of an anti-cancer effect in a warm-blooded animal such as a human which is being treated with ionising radiation.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided the use of ZD6474 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof in the manufacture of a medicament for use in the production of an anti-tumour effect in a warm-blooded animal such as a human which is being treated with ionising radiation.

A warm-blooded animal such as a human which is being treated with ionising radiation means a warm-blooded animal such as a human which is treated with ionising radiation before, after or at the same time as the administration of a medicament comprising ZD6474. For example said ionising radiation may be given to said warm-blooded animal such as a human within the period of a week before to a week after the administration of a medicament comprising ZD6474. According to one aspect of the present invention ZD6474 is administered to a warm-blooded animal after the animal has been treated with ionising radiation. The warm-blooded animal may experience the effect of each of ZD6474 and ionising radiation simultaneously.

As stated above the combination treatments of the present invention as defined herein are of interest for their antiangiogenic and/or vascular permeability effects. Such combination treatments of the invention are expected to be useful in the prophylaxis and treatment of a wide range of disease states where inappropriate angiogenesis occurs including cancer and Kaposi's sarcoma. Cancer may affect any tissue and includes leukaemia, multiple myeloma and lymphoma. In particular such combination treatments of the invention are expected to slow advantageously the growth of primary and recurrent solid tumours of, for example, the colon, breast, prostate, lungs and skin. More especially combination treatments of the present invention are expected to slow advantageously the growth of tumours in lung cancer, particularly non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). More particularly such combination treatments of the invention are expected to inhibit any form of cancer associated with VEGF including leukaemia, mulitple myeloma and lymphoma and also, for example, to inhibit the growth of those primary and recurrent solid tumours which are associated with VEGF, especially those tumours which are significantly dependent on VEGF for their growth and spread, including for example, certain tumours of the colon, breast, prostate, lung, vulva and skin, particularly NSCLC.

In another aspect of the present invention ZD6474 and ionising radiation are expected to inhibit the growth of those primary and recurrent solid tumours which are associated with EGF especially those tumours which are significantly dependent on EGF for their growth and spread.

In another aspect of the present invention ZD6474 and ionising radiation are expected to inhibit the growth of those primary and recurrent solid tumours which are associated with both VEGF and EGF especially those tumours which are significantly dependent on VEGF and EGF for their growth and spread.

According to another aspect of the present invention the effect of a method of treatment of the present invention is expected to be at least equivalent to the addition of the effects of each of the components of said treatment used alone, that is, of each of ZD6474 and ionising radiation, used alone.

According to another aspect of the present invention the effect of a method of treatment of the present invention is expected to be greater than the addition of the effects of each of the components of said treatment used alone, that is, of each of ZD6474 and ionising radiation, used alone.

According to another aspect of the present invention the effect of a method of treatment of the present invention is expected to be a synergistic effect.

It should also be appreciated that according to the present invention a combination treatment is defined as affording a synergistic effect if the effect is therapeutically superior, as measured by, for example, the extent of the response, the response rate, the time to disease progression or the survival period, to that achievable on dosing one or other of the components of the combination treatment at its conventional dose. For example, the effect of the combination treatment is synergistic if the effect is therapeutically superior to the effect achievable with ZD6474 or ionising radiation alone. Further, the effect of the combination treatment is synergistic if a beneficial effect is obtained in a group of patients that does not respond (or responds poorly) to ZD6474 or ionising radiation alone. In addition, the effect of the combination treatment is defined as affording a synergistic effect if one of the components is dosed at its conventional dose and the other component is dosed at a reduced dose and the therapeutic effect, as measured by, for example, the extent of the response, the response rate, the time to disease progression or the survival period, is equivalent to that achievable on dosing conventional amounts of the components of the combination treatment. In particular, synergy is deemed to be present if the conventional dose of ZD6474 or ionising radiation may be reduced without detriment to one or more of the extent of the response, the response rate, the time to disease progression and survival data, in particular without detriment to the duration of the response, but with fewer and/or less troublesome side-effects than those that occur when conventional doses of each component are used.

A combination method of treatment of the present invention as defined herein may be achieved by way of the simultaneous, sequential or separate administration of the individual components of said treatment. A combination treatment as defined herein may be applied as a sole therapy or may involve surgery, in addition to a combination method of treatment of the invention. Surgery may comprise the step of partial or complete tumour resection, prior to, during or after the administration of the combination treatment with ZD6474 described herein.

The compositions described herein may be in a form suitable for oral administration, for example as a tablet or capsule, for nasal administration or administration by inhalation, for example as a powder or solution, for parenteral injection (including intravenous, subcutaneous, intramuscular, intravascular or infusion) for example as a sterile solution, suspension or emulsion, for topical administration for example as an ointment or cream, for rectal administration for example as a suppository or the route of administration may be by direct injection into the tumour or by regional delivery or by local delivery. In other embodiments of the present invention the ZD6474 of the combination treatment may be delivered endoscopically, intratracheally, intralesionally, percutaneously, intravenously, subcutaneously, intraperitoneally or intratumourally. Preferably ZD6474 is administered orally. In general the compositions described herein may be prepared in a conventional manner using conventional excipients. The compositions of the present invention are advantageously presented in unit dosage form.

ZD6474 will normally be administered to a warm-blooded animal at a unit dose within the range 10-500 mg per square metre body area of the animal for example approximately 0.3-15 mg/kg in a human. A unit dose in the range, for example, 0.3-15 mg/kg, preferably 0.5-5 mg/kg is envisaged and this is normally a therapeutically-effective dose. A unit dosage form such as a tablet or capsule will usually contain, for example 25-500 mg of active ingredient. Preferably a daily dose in the range of 0.5-5 mg/kg is employed.

In particular embodiments of the present invention the ionising radiation employed may be X-radiation, γ-radiation or β-radiation.

The dosages of ionising radiation will be those known for use in clinical radiotherapy. The radiation therapy used will include for example the use of γ-rays, X-rays, and/or the directed delivery of radiation from radioisotopes. Other forms of DNA damaging factors are also included in the present invention such as microwaves and UV-irradiation. It is most likely that all of these factors effect a broad range of damage on DNA, on the precursors of DNA, on the replication and repair of DNA and on the assembly and maintenance of chromosomes. For example X-rays may be dosed in daily doses of 1.8-2.0 Gy, 5 days a week for 5-6 weeks. Normally a total fractionated dose will lie in the range 45-60 Gy. Single larger doses, for example 5-10 Gy may be administered as part of a course of radiotherapy. Single doses may be administered intraoperatively. Hyperfractionated radiotherapy may be used whereby small doses of X-rays are administered regularly over a period of time, for example 0.1 Gy per hour over a number of days. Dosage ranges for radioisotopes vary widely, and depend on the half-life of the isotope, the strength and type of radiation emitted, and on the uptake by cells.

As stated above the size of the dose of each therapy which is required for the therapeutic or prophylactic treatment of a particular disease state will necessarily be varied depending on the host treated, the route of administration and the severity of the illness being treated. Accordingly the optimum dosage may be determined by the practitioner who is treating any particular patient. For example, it may be necessary or desirable to reduce the above-mentioned doses of the components of the combination treatments in order to reduce toxicity.

The present invention relates to combinations of ionising radiation with ZD6474 or with a salt of ZD6474.

Salts for use in pharmaceutical compositions will be pharmaceutically acceptable salts, but other salts may be useful in the production of ZD6474 and its pharmaceutically acceptable salts. Such salts may be formed with an inorganic or organic base which affords a pharmaceutically acceptable cation. Such salts with inorganic or organic bases include for example an alkali metal salt, such as a sodium or potassium salt, an alkaline earth metal salt such as a calcium or magnesium salt, an ammonium salt or for example a salt with methylamine, dimethylamine, trimethylamine, piperidine, morpholine or tris-(2-hydroxyethyl)amine.

ZD6474 may be made, for example, according to any of the following processes illustrated by examples (a)-(c) in which, unless otherwise stated:—

-   -   (i) evaporations were carried out by rotary evaporation in vacuo         and work-up procedures were carried out after removal of         residual solids such as drying agents by filtration;     -   (ii) operations were carried out at ambient temperature, that is         in the range 18-25° C. and under an atmosphere of an inert gas         such as argon;     -   (iii) column chromatography (by the flash procedure) and medium         pressure liquid chromatography (MPLC) were performed on Merck         Kieselgel silica (Art 9385) or Merck Lichroprep RP-18         (Art. 9303) reversed-phase silica obtained from E. Merck,         Darmstadt, Germany;     -   (iv) yields are given for illustration only and are not         necessarily the maximum attainable;     -   (v) melting points are uncorrected and were determined using a         Mettler SP62 automatic melting point apparatus, an oil-bath         apparatus or a Koffler hot plate apparatus.     -   (vi) the structures of the end-products of the formula I were         confirmed by nuclear (generally proton) magnetic resonance (NMR)         and mass spectral techniques; proton magnetic resonance chemical         shift values were measured on the delta scale and peak         multiplicities are shown as follows: s, singlet; d, doublet; t,         triplet; m, multiplet; br, broad; q, quartet; NMR spectra were         run on a 400 MHz machine at 24° C.     -   (vii) intermediates were not generally fully characterised and         purity was assessed by thin layer chromatography (TLC),         high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), infra-red (IR) or         NMR analysis;     -   (viii) the following abbreviations have been used:—         -   DMF N,N-dimethylformamide         -   DMSO dimethylsulphoxide         -   THF tetrahydrofuran         -   TFA trifluoroacetic acid         -   NMP 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone.]             Process (a)

A solution of 37% aqueous formaldehyde (50 μl, 0.6 mmol) followed by sodium cyanoborohydride (23 mg, 0.36 mmol) were added to a solution of 4-(4-bromo-2-fluoroanilino)-6-methoxy-7-(piperidin-4-ylmethoxy)quinazoline (139 mg, 0.3 mmol), in a mixture of THF/methanol (1.4 ml/1.4 ml). After stirring for 1 hour at ambient temperature, water was added and the volatiles were removed under vacuum. The residue was triturated with water, filtered, washed with water, and dried under vacuum. The solid was purified by chromatography on neutral alumina eluting with methylene chloride followed by methylene chloride/ethyl acetate (1/1) followed by methylene chloride/ethyl acetate/methanol (50/45/5). The fractions containing the expected product were evaporated under vacuum. The resulting white solid was dissolved in methylene chloride/methanol (3 ml/3 ml) and 3N hydrogen chloride in ether (0.5 ml) was added. The volatiles were removed under vacuum. The solid was triturated with ether, filtered, washed with ether and dried under vacuum to give 4-(4-bromo-2-fluoroanilino)-6-methoxy-7-(1-methylpiperidin-4-ylmethoxy)quinazoline hydrochloride (120 mg, 69%).

MS-ESI: 475-477 [MH]⁺

The NMR spectrum of the protonated form of 4-(4-bromo-2-fluoroanilino)-6-methoxy-7-(1-methylpiperidin-4-ylmethoxy)quinazoline hydrochloride shows the presence of 2 forms A and B in a ratio A:B of approximately 9:1.

¹H NMR Spectrum: (DMSOd₆; CF₃COOD) 1.55-1.7 (m, form A 2H); 1.85-2.0 (m, form B 4H); 2.03 (d, form A 2H); 2.08-2.14 (br s, form A 1H); 2.31-2.38 (br s, form B 1H); 2.79 (s, form A 3H); 2.82 (s, form B 3H); 3.03 (t, form A 2H); 3.21 (br s, form B 2H); 3.30 (br s, form B 2H); 3.52 (d, form A 2H); 4.02 (s, 3H); 4.12 (d, form A 2H); 4.30 (d, form B 2H); 7.41 (s, 1H); 7.5-7.65 (m, 2H); 7.81 (d, 1H); 8.20, (s, 1H); 8.88 (s, 1H) Elemental analysis: Found C 46.0 H 5.2 N 9.6 C₂₂H₂₄N₄O₂BrF 0.3H₂O 2.65HCl Requires C 45.8 H 4.8 N 9.7%

The starting material was prepared as follows:

A solution of 7-benzyloxy-4-chloro-6-methoxyquinazoline hydrochloride (8.35 g, 27.8 mmol), (prepared, for example, as described in WO 97/22596, Example 1), and 4-bromo-2-fluoroaniline (5.65 g, 29.7 mmol) in 2-propanol (200 ml) was heated at reflux for 4 hours. The resulting precipitate was collected by filtration, washed with 2-propanol and then ether and dried under vacuum to give 7-benzyloxy-4-(4-bromo-2-fluoroanilino)-6-methoxyquinazoline hydrochloride (9.46 g, 78%).

¹H NMR Spectrum: (DMSOd₆; CD₃COOD) 4.0(s, 3H); 5.37(s, 2H); 7.35-7.5(m, 4H); 7.52-7.62(r, 4H); 7.8(d, 1H); 8.14(9 s, 1H); 8.79(s, 1H)

MS-ESI: 456 [MH]⁺ Elemental analysis: Found C 54.0 H 3.7 N 8.7 C₂₂H₁₇N₃O₂BrF 0.9HCl Requires C 54.2 H 3.7 N 8.6%

A solution of 7-benzyloxy-4-(4-bromo-2-fluoroanilino)-6-methoxyquinazoline hydrochloride (9.4 g, 19.1 mmol) in TFA (90 ml) was heated at reflux for 50 minutes. The mixture was allowed to cool and was poured on to ice. The resulting precipitate was collected by filtration and dissolved in methanol (70 ml). The solution was adjusted to pH9-10 with concentrated aqueous ammonia solution. The mixture was concentrated to half initial volume by evaporation. The resulting precipitate was collected by filtration, washed with water and then ether, and dried under vacuum to give 4-(4-bromo-2-fluoroanilino)-7-hydroxy-6-methoxyquinazoline (5.66 g, 82%).

¹H NMR Spectrum: (DMSOd₆; CD₃COOD) 3.95(s, 3H); 7.09(s, 1H); 7.48(s, 1H); 7.54(t, 1H); 7.64(d, 1H); 7.79(s, 1H); 8.31(s, 1H)

MS-ESI: 366 [MH]⁺ Elemental analysis: Found C 49.5 H 3.1 N 11.3 C₁₅H₁₁N₃O₂BrF Requires C 49.5 H 3.0 N 11.5%

While maintaining the temperature in the range 0-5° C., a solution of di-tert-butyl dicarbonate (41.7 g, 0.19 mol) in ethyl acetate (75 ml) was added in portions to a solution of ethyl 4-piperidinecarboxylate (30 g, 0.19 mol) in ethyl acetate (150 ml) cooled at 5° C. After stirring for 48 hours at ambient temperature, the mixture was poured onto water (300 ml). The organic layer was separated, washed successively with water (200 ml), 0.1N aqueous hydrochloric acid (200 ml), saturated sodium hydrogen carbonate (200 ml) and brine (200 ml), dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated to give ethyl 4-(1-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)piperidine)carboxylate (48 g, 98%).

¹H NMR Spectrum: (CDCl₃) 1.25(t, 3H); 1.45(s, 9H); 1.55-1.70(m, 2H); 1.8-2.0(d, 2H); 2.35-2.5(m, 1H); 2.7-2.95(t, 2H); 3.9-4.1(br s, 2H); 4.15 (q, 2H)

A solution of 1M lithium aluminium hydride in THF (133 ml, 0.133 mol) was added in portions to a solution of ethyl 4-(1-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)piperidine)carboxylate (48 g, 0.19 mol) in dry THF (180 ml) cooled at 0° C. After stirring at 0° C. for 2 hours, water (30 ml) was added followed by 2N sodium hydroxide (10 ml). The precipitate was removed by filtration through diatomaceous earth and washed with ethyl acetate. The filtrate was washed with water, brine, dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated to give 1-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-4-hydroxymethylpiperidine (36.3 g, 89%).

MS (EI): 215 [M.]+

¹H NMR Spectrum: (CDCl₃) 1.05-1.2(m, 2H); 1.35-1.55(m, 10H); 1.6-1.8(m, 2H); 2.6-2.8(t, 2H); 3.4-3.6(t, 2H); 4.0-4.2(br s, 2H)

1,4-Diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (42.4 g, 0.378 mol) was added to a solution of 1-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-4-hydroxymethylpiperidine (52.5 g, 0.244 mol) in tert-butyl methyl ether (525 ml). After stirring for 15 minutes at ambient temperature, the mixture was cooled to 5° C. and a solution of toluene sulphonyl chloride (62.8 g, 0.33 mmol) in tert-butyl methyl ether (525 ml) was added in portions over 2 hours while maintaining the temperature at 0° C. After stirring for 1 hour at ambient temperature, petroleum ether (11) was added. The precipitate was removed by filtration. The filtrate was evaporated to give a solid. The solid was dissolved in ether and washed successively with 0.5N aqueous hydrochloric acid (2×500 ml), water, saturated sodium hydrogen carbonate and brine, dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated to give 1-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)4-(4-methylphenylsulphonyloxymethyl)piperidine (76.7 g, 85%).

MS (ESI): 392 [MNa]⁺

¹H NMR Spectrum: (CDCl₃) 1.0-1.2(m, 2H); 1.45(s, 9H); 1.65(d, 2H); 1.75-1.9(m, 2H); 2.45(s, 3H); 2.55-2.75(m, 2H); 3.85(d, 1H); 4.0-4.2(br s, 2H); 7.35(d, 2H); 7.8(d, 2H)

Potassium carbonate (414 mg, 3 mmol) was added to a suspension of 4-(4-bromo-2-fluoroanilino)-7-hydroxy-6-methoxyquinazoline (546 mg, 1.5 mmol) in DMF (5 ml). After stirring for 10 minutes at ambient temperature, 1-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-4-(4 methylphenylsulphonyloxymethyl)piperidine (636 mg, 1.72 mmol) was added and the mixture was heated at 95° C. for 2 hours. After cooling, the mixture was poured onto cooled water (20 ml). The precipitate was collected by filtration, washed with water, and dried under vacuum to give 4-(4-bromo-2-fluoroanilino)-7-(1-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)piperidin-4-ylmethoxy)-6-methoxyquinazoline (665 mg, 79%).

MS-ESI: 561-563 [MH]⁺

¹H NMR Spectrum: (DMSOd₆) 1.15-1.3 (m, 2H), 1.46 (s, 9H), 1.8 (d, 2H), 2.0-2.1 (m, 1H), 2.65-2.9 (m, 2H), 3.95 (s, 3H), 4.02 (br s, 2H), 4.05 (d, 2H), 7.2 (s, 1H), 7.48 (d, 1H), 7.55 (t, 1H), 7.65 (d, 1H), 7.8 (s, 1H), 8.35 (s, 1H), 9.55 (br s, 1H)

TFA (3 ml) was added to a suspension of 4-(4-bromo-2-fluoroanilino)-7-(1-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)piperidin-4-ylmethoxy)-6-methoxyquinazoline (673 mg, 1.2 mmol) in methylene chloride (10 ml). After stirring for 1 hour at ambient temperature, the volatiles were removed under vacuum. The residue was triturated with a mixture of water/ether. The organic layer was separated. The aqueous layer was washed again with ether. The aqueous layer was adjusted to pH10 with 2N aqueous sodium hydroxide. The aqueous layer was extracted with methylene chloride. The organic layer was dried (MgSO₄) and the solvent was removed under vacuum. The solid was triturated with a mixture ether/petroleum ether (1/1), filtered, washed with ether and dried under vacuum to give 4-(4-bromo-2-fluoroanilino)-6-methoxy-7-(piperidin-4-ylmethoxy)quinazoline (390 mg, 70.5%).

MS-ESI: 461-463 [MH]⁺

¹H NMR Spectrum: (DMSOd₆) 1.13-1.3 (m, 2H), 1.75 (d, 2H), 1.87-2.0 (m, 1H), 2.5 (d, 2H), 3.0 (d, 2H), 3.96 (s, 3H), 3.98 (d, 2H), 7.2 (s, 1H), 7.5 (dd, 1H), 7.55 (t, 1H), 7.68 (dd, 1H), 7.80 (s, 1H), 8.36 (s, 1H), 9.55 (br s, 1H) Elemental analysis: Found C 54.5 H 4.9 N 12.1 C₂₁H₂₂N₄O₂BrF Requires C 54.7 H 4.8 N 12.1% Process (b)

37% Aqueous formaldehyde (3.5 ml, 42 mmol) was added to a solution of 4-(4-bromo-2-fluoroanilino)-7-(1-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)piperidin-4-ylmethoxy)-6-methoxyquinazoline (3.49 g, 6.22 mmol), (prepared as described for the starting material in process (a) above), in formic acid (35 ml). After heating at 95° C. for 4 hours the volatiles were removed under vacuum. The residue was suspended in water and the mixture was adjusted to pH10.5 by slow addition of a solution of 2N sodium hydroxide. The suspension was extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic layer was washed with brine, dried MgSO₄ and evaporated to give 4-(4-bromo-2-fluoroanilino)-6-methoxy-7-(1-methylpiperidin-4-ylmethoxy)quinazoline (2.61 g, 88%).

MS-ESI 475-477 [MH]⁺

¹H NMR Spectrum: (DMSOd₆) 1.3-1.45 (m, 2H), 1.8 (d, 2H), 1.7-1.9 (m, 1H), 1.95 (t, 2H), 2.2 (s, 3H), 2.85 (d, 2H), 3.96 (s, 3H), 4.05 (d, 2H), 7.19 (s, 1H), 7.5 (d, 1H), 7.55 (t, 1H), 7.67 (d, 1H), 7.81 (s, 1H), 8.37 (s, 1H), 9.54 (s, 1H) Elemental analysis: Found C 55.4 H 5.1 N 11.6 C₂₂H₂₄N₄O₂BrF Requires C 55.6 H 5.1 N 11.8% Process (c)

A suspension of 4-chloro-6-methoxy-7-(1-methylpiperidin-4-ylmethoxy)quinazoline (200 mg, 0.62 mmol) and 4-bromo-2-fluoroaniline (142 mg, 0.74 mmol) in isopropanol (3 ml) containing 6N hydrogen chloride in isopropanol (110 μl, 0.68 ml) was heated at reflux for 1.5 hours. After cooling, the precipitate was collected by filtration, washed with isopropanol followed by ether and dried under vacuum to give 4-(4-bromo-2-fluoroanilino)-6-methoxy-7-(1-methylpiperidin-4-ylmethoxy)quinazoline hydrochloride (304 mg, 90%). Elemental analysis: Found C 47.9 H 4.9 N 10.0 C₂₂H₂₄N₄O₂BrF 0.5H₂O 1.8HCl Requires C 48.2 H 5.0 N 10.1% 0.08 isopropanol

The NMR spectrum of the protonated form of 4-(4-bromo-2-fluoroanilino)-6-methoxy-7-(1-methylpiperidin-4-ylmethoxy)quinazoline hydrochloride shows the presence of two forms A and B in a ratio A:B of approximately 9:1.

¹H NMR Spectrum: (DMSOd₆) 1.6-1.78 (m, form A 2H); 1.81-1.93 (br s, form B 4H); 1.94-2.07 (d, form A 2H); 2.08-2.23 (br s, form A 1H); 2.29-2.37 (br s, form B 1H); 2.73 (d, form A 3H); 2.77 (d, form B 3H); 2.93-3.10 (q, form A 2H); 3.21 (br s, form B 2H); 3.27 (br s, form B 2H); 3.42-3.48 (d, form A 2H); 4.04 (s, 3H); 4.10 (d, form A 2H); 4.29 (d, form B 2H); 7.49 (s, 1H); 7.53-7.61 (m, 2H); 7.78 (d, 1H); 8.47 (s, 1H); 8.81 (s, 1H); 10.48 (br s, form A 1H); 10.79 (br s, form B 1H); 11.90 (br s, 1H)

For another NMR reading, some solid potassium carbonate was added into the DMSO solution of the 4-(4-bromo-2-fluoroanilino)-6-methoxy-7-(1-methylpiperidin-4-ylmethoxy)quinazoline hydrochloride described above, in order to release the free base in the NMR tube. The NMR spectrum was then recorded again and showed only one form as described below:

¹H NMR Spectrum: (DMSOd₆; solid potassium carbonate) 1.3-1.45 (m, 2H); 1.75 (d, 2H) 1.7-1.9(m, 1H); 1.89 (t, 2H); 2.18 (s, 3H); 2.8 (d, 2H); 3.98 (s, 3H); 4.0 (d, 2H); 7.2 (s, 1H); 7.48 (d, 1); 7.55 (t, 1H); 7.68 (d, 1H); 7.8 (s, 1H); 8.35 (s, 1H); 9.75 (s, 1H)

A sample of 4-(4-bromo-2-fluoroanilino)-6-methoxy-7-(1-methylpiperidin-4-ylmethoxy)quinazoline (free base) was generated from the 4-(4-bromo-2-fluoroanilino)-6-methoxy-7-(1-methylpiperidin-4-ylmethoxy)quinazoline hydrochloride, (prepared as described above), as follows:

4-(4-Bromo-2-fluoroanilino)-6-methoxy-7-(1-methylpiperidin-4-ylmethoxyquinazoline hydrochloride (50 mg) was suspended in methylene chloride (2 ml) and was washed with saturated sodium hydrogen carbonate. The methylene chloride solution was dried (MgSO₄) and the volatiles were removed by evaporation to give 4-(4-bromo-2-fluoroanilino)-6-methoxy-7-(1-methylpiperidin-4-ylmethoxy)quinazoline (free base). The NMR of the free base so generated shows only one form as described below:

¹H NMR Spectrum: (DMSOd₆) 1.3-1.45 (m 2H); 1.76 (d, 2H); 1.7-1.9(m, 1H); 1.9 (t, 2H); 2.19 (s, 3H); 2.8 (d, 2H); 3.95 (s, 3H); 4.02 (d, 2H); 7.2 (s, 1H); 7.48 (d, 1H); 7.55 (t, 1H) 7.68 (dd, 1H); 7.8 (s, 1H); 8.38 (s, 1H); 9.55(br s, 1H)

For another NMR reading, some CF₃COOD was added into the NMR DMSO solution of the 4-(4-bromo-2-fluoroanilino)-6-methoxy-7-(1-methylpiperidin-4-ylmethoxy)quinazoline (free base) described above and the NMR spectrum was recorded again. The spectrum of the protonated form of the 4-(4-bromo-2-fluoroanilino)-6-methoxy-7-(1-methylpiperidin-4-ylmethoxy)quinazoline trifluoroacetate salt so obtained shows the presence of two forms A and B in a ratio A:B of approximately 9:1.

¹H NMR Spectrum: (DMSOd₆; CF₃COOD) 1.5-1.7 (m, form A 2H); 1.93 (br s, form B 4H); 2.0-2.1 (d, form A 2H); 2.17 (br s, form A 1H); 2.35 (br s, form B1H); 2.71 (s, form A 3H); 2.73 (s, form B 3H); 2.97-3.09 (t, form A 2H); 3.23 (br s, form B 2H); 3.34 (br s, form B 2H); 3.47-3.57 (d, form A 2H); 4.02 (s, 3H); 4.15 (d, form A 2H); 4.30 (d, form B 2H); 7.2 (s, 1H); 7.3-7.5 (m, 2H); 7.6 (d, 1H); 7.9 (s, 1H); 8.7 (s, 1H)

The starting material was prepared as follows:

1-(tert-Butoxycarbonyl)-4-(4-methylphenylsulphonyloxymethyl)piperidine (40 g, 0.11 mmol), (prepared as described for the starting material in process (a) above), was added to a suspension of ethyl 4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzoate (19.6 g, 0.1 mol) and potassium carbonate (28 g, 0.2 mol) in dry DMF (200 ml). After stirring at 95° C. for 2.5 hours, the mixture was cooled to ambient temperature and partitioned between water and ethyl acetate/ether. The organic layer was washed with water, brine, dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated. The resulting oil was crystallised from petroleum ether and the suspension was stored overnight at 5° C. The solid was collected by filtration, washed with petroleum ether and dried under vacuum to give ethyl 4-(1-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)piperidin-4-ylmethoxy)-3-methoxybenzoate (35 g, 89%).

m.p. 81-83° C.

MS (ESI): 416 [MNa]⁺

¹H NMR Spectrum: (CDCl₃) 1.2-1.35(m, 2H); 1.4(t, 3H); 1.48(s, 9H); 1.8-1.9(d, 2H); 2.0-2.15(m, 2H); 2.75(t, 2H); 3.9(d, 2H); 3.95(s, 3H); 4.05-4.25(br s, 2H); 4.35(q, 2H); 6.85(d, 1H); 7.55(s, 1H); 7.65(d, 1H) Elemental analysis: Found C 63.4 H 8.0 N 3.5 C₂₁H₃₁NO₆ 0.3H₂O Requires C 63.2 H 8.0 N 3.5%

Formaldehyde (12M, 37% in water, 35 ml, 420 mmol) was added to a solution of ethyl 4-(1-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)piperidin-4-ylmethoxy)-3-methoxybenzoate (35 g, 89 mmol) in formic acid (35 ml). After stirring at 95° C. for 3 hours, the volatiles were removed by evaporation. The residue was dissolved in methylene chloride and 3M hydrogen chloride in ether (40 ml, 120 mmol) was added. After dilution with ether, the mixture was triturated until a solid was formed. The solid was collected by filtration, washed with ether and dried under vacuum overnight at 50° C. to give ethyl 3-methoxy-4-(1-methylpiperidin-4-ylmethoxy)benzoate (30.6 g, quant.).

MS (ESI): 308 [MH]⁺

¹H NMR Spectrum: (DMSOd₆) 1.29(t, 3H); 1.5-1.7(m, 2H); 1.95(d, 2H); 2.0-2.15(br s, 1H); 2.72(s, 3H); 2.9-3.1(n, 2H); 3.35-3.5(br s, 2H); 3.85(s, 3H); 3.9-4.05(br s, 2H); 4.3(q, 2H); 7.1(d, 1H); 7.48(s, 1H); 7.6(d, 1H)

A solution of ethyl 3-methoxy-4-(1-methylpiperidin-4-ylmethoxy)benzoate (30.6 g, 89 mmol) in methylene chloride (75 ml) was cooled to 0-5° C. TFA (37.5 ml) was added followed by the dropwise addition over 15 minutes of a solution of fuming 24N nitric acid (7.42 ml, 178 mmol) in methylene chloride (15 ml). After completion of the addition, the solution was allowed to warm up and stirred at ambient temperature for 2 hours. The volatiles were removed under vacuum and the residue was dissolved in methylene chloride (50 ml). The solution was cooled to 0-5° C. and ether was added. The precipitate was collected by filtration, and dried under vacuum at 50° C. The solid was dissolved in methylene chloride (500 ml) and 3M hydrogen chloride in ether (30 ml) was added followed by ether (500 ml). The solid was collected by filtration and dried under vacuum at 50° C. to give ethyl 3-methoxy-4-(1-methylpiperidin-4-ylmethoxy)-6-nitrobenzoate (28.4 g, 82%).

MS (ESI): 353 [MH]⁺

¹H NMR Spectrum: (DMSOd₆) 1.3(t, 31H); 1.45-1.65(m, 2H); 1.75-2.1(m, 3H); 2.75(s, 3H); 2.9-3.05(m, 2H); 3.43.5(d, 2H); 3.95(s, 3H); 4.05(d, 2H); 4.3(q, 2H); 7.32(s, 1H); 7.66(s, 1H)

A suspension of ethyl 3-methoxy-4-(1-methylpiperidin-4-ylmethoxy)-6-nitrobenzoate (3.89 g, 10 mmol) in methanol (80 ml) containing 10% platinum on activated carbon (50% wet) (389 mg) was hydrogenated at 1.8 atmospheres pressure until uptake of hydrogen ceased. The mixture was filtered and the filtrate was evaporated. The residue was dissolved in water (30 ml) and adjusted to pH10 with a saturated solution of sodium hydrogen carbonate. The mixture was diluted with ethyl acetate/ether (1/1) and the organic layer was separated. The aqueous layer was further extracted with ethyl acetate/ether and the organic layers were combined. The organic layers were washed with water, brine, dried (MgSO₄), filtered and evaporated. The resulting solid was triturated in a mixture of ether/petroleum ether, filtered, washed with petroleum ether and dried under vacuum at 60° C. to give ethyl 6-amino-3-methoxy-4-(1-methylpiperidin-4-ylmethoxy)benzoate (2.58 g, 80%).

m.p. 111-112° C.

MS (ESI): 323 [MH]⁺

¹H NMR Spectrum: (CDCl₃) 1.35(t, 3H); 1.4-1.5(m, 2H); 1.85(m, 3H); 1.95(t, 2H); 2.29(s, 3H); 2.9(d, 2H); 3.8(s, 3H); 3.85(d, 2H); 4.3(q, 2H); 5.55(br s, 2H); 6.13(s, 1H); 7.33(s, 1H) Elemental analysis: Found C 62.8 H 8.5 N 8.3 C₁₇H₂₆N₂O₄ 0.2H₂O Requires C 62.6 H 8.2 N 8.6%

A solution of ethyl 6-amino-3-methoxy-4-(1-ethylpiperidin-4-ylmethoxy)benzoate (16.1 g, 50 mmol) in 2-methoxyethanol (160 ml) containing formamidine acetate (5.2 g, 50 mmol) was heated at 115° C. for 2 hours. Formamidine acetate (10.4 g, 100 mmol) was added in portions every 30 minutes over 4 hours. Heating was prolonged for 30 minutes after the last additions. After cooling, the volatiles were removed under vacuum. The solid was dissolved in ethanol (100 ml) and methylene chloride (50 ml). The precipitate was removed by filtration and the filtrate was concentrated to a final volume of 100 ml. The suspension was cooled to 5° C. and the solid was collected by filtration, washed with cold ethanol followed by ether and dried under vacuum overnight at 60° C. to give 6-methoxy-7-(1-methylpiperidin-4-ylmethoxy)-3,4-dihydroquinazolin-4-one (12.7 g, 70%).

MS (ESI): 304 [MH]⁺

¹H NMR Spectrum: (DMSOd₆) 1.25-1.4(m 2H); 1.75(d, 2H); 1.9(t, 1H); 1.9(s, 3H); 2.16(s, 2H, 2.8(d, 2H); 3.9(s, 3H); 4.0(d, 2H); 7.11(s, 1H); 7.44(s, 1H); 7.97(s, 1H)

A solution of 6-methoxy-7-(1-methylpiperidin-4-ylmethoxy)-3,4-dihydroquinazolin-4-one (2.8 g, 9.24 mmol) in thionyl chloride (28 ml) containing DMF (280 μl) was heated at reflux at 85° C. for 1 hour. After cooling, the volatiles were removed by evaporation. The precipitate was triturated with ether, filtered, washed with ether and dried under vacuum. The solid was dissolved in methylene chloride and saturated aqueous sodium hydrogen carbonate was added. The organic layer was separated, washed with water, brine, dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated to give 4-chloro-6-methoxy-7-(1-methylpiperidin-4-ylmethoxy)quinazoline (2.9 g, 98%).

MS (ESI): 322 [MH]⁺

¹H NMR Spectrum (DMSOd₆) 1.3-1.5(m, 2H); 1.75-1.9(m, 3H); 2.0(t, 1H); 2.25(s, 3H); 2.85(d, 2H); 4.02(s, 3H); 4.12(d, 2H); 7.41(s, 1H); 7.46(s, 1H); 8.9(s, 1H)

Alternatively, the 6-methoxy-7-(1-methylpiperidin-4-ylmethoxy)-3,4-dihydroquinazolin-4-one can be prepared as follows:

Sodium hydride (1.44 g of a 60% suspension in mineral oil, 36 mmol) was added in portions over 20 minutes to a solution of 7-benzyloxy-6-methoxy-3,4-dihydroquinazolin-4-one (8.46 g, 30 mmol), (prepared, for example, as described in WO 97/29596, Example 1), in DMF (70 ml) and the mixture was stirred for 1.5 hours. Chloromethyl pivalate (5.65 g, 37.5 mmol) was added in portions and the mixture stirred for 2 hours at ambient temperature. The mixture was diluted with ethyl acetate (100 ml) and poured onto ice/water (400 ml) and 2N hydrochloric acid (4 ml). The organic layer was separated and the aqueous layer extracted with ethyl acetate, the combined extracts were washed with brine, dried (MgSO₄) and the solvent removed by evaporation. The residue was triturated with a mixture of ether and petroleum ether, the solid was collected by filtration and dried under vacuum to give 7-benzyloxy-6-methoxy-3-((pivaloyloxy)methyl)-3,4-dihydroquinazolin-4-one (10 g, 84%).

¹H NMR Spectrum: (DMSOd₆) 1.11(s, 9H); 3.89(s, 3H); 5.3(s, 2H); 5.9(s, 2H); 7.27(s, 1H); 7.35(m, 1H); 7.47(t, 2H); 7.49(d, 2H); 7.51(s, 1H); 8.34(s, 1H)

A mixture of 7-benzyloxy-6-methoxy-3-((pivaloyloxy)methyl)-3,4-dihydroquinazolin-4-one (7 g, 17.7 mmol) and 10% palladium-on-charcoal catalyst (700 mg) in ethyl acetate (250 n), DMF (50 ml), methanol (50 ml) and acetic acid (0.7 ml) was stirred under hydrogen at atmospheric pressure for 40 minutes. The catalyst was removed by filtration and the solvent removed from the filtrate by evaporation. The residue was triturated with ether, collected by filtration and dried under vacuum to give 7-hydroxy-6-methoxy-3-((pivaloyloxy)methyl)-3,4-dihydroquinazolin-4-one (4.36 g, 80%).

¹H NMR Spectrum: (DMSOd₆) 1.1(s, 9H); 3.89(s, 3H); 5.89(s, 2H); 7.0(s, 1H); 7.48(s, 1H); 8.5(s, 1H)

Triphenylphosphine (1.7 g, 6.5 mmol) was added under nitrogen to a suspension of 7-hydroxy-6-methoxy-3-((pivaloyloxy)methyl)-3,4-dihydroquinazolin-4-one (1.53 g, 5 mmol) in methylene chloride (20 ml), followed by the addition of 1-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-4-(hydroxymethyl)piperidine (1.29 g, 6 mmol), (prepared as described for the starting material in process (a) above), and by a solution of diethyl azodicarboxylate (1.13 g, 6.5 mmol) in methylene chloride (5 ml). After stirring for 30 minutes at ambient temperature, the reaction mixture was poured onto a column of silica and was eluted with ethyl acetate/petroleum ether (1/1 followed by 6/5, 6/4 and 7/3). Evaporation of the fractions containing the expected product led to an oil that crystallised following trituration with pentane. The solid was collected by filtration and dried under vacuum to give 7-(1-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)piperidin-4-ylmethoxy)-6-methoxy-3-((pivaloyloxy)methyl-3,4-dihydroquinazolin-4-one (232 g, 92%).

MS-ESI: 526 [MNa]⁺

¹H NMR Spectrum: (CDCl₃) 1.20 (s, 9H), 1.2-1.35 (m, 2H), 1.43 (s, 9H), 1.87 (d, 2H), 2.05-2.2 (m, 1H), 2.75 (t, 2H), 3.96 (d, 2H), 3.97 (s, 3H), 4.1-4.25 (br s, 2H), 5.95 (s, 2H), 7.07 (s, 1H), 7.63 (s, 1H), 8.17 (s, 1H) Elemental analysis: Found C 61.8 H 7.5 N 8.3 C₂₆H₃₇N₃O₇ Requires C 62.0 H 7.4 N 8.3%

A solution of 7-(1-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)piperidin-4-ylmethoxy)-6-methoxy-3-((pivaloyloxy)methyl)-3,4-dihydroquinazolin-4-one (2.32 g, 4.6 mol) in methylene chloride (23 ml) containing TFA (Sr) was stirred at ambient temperature for 1 hour. The volatiles were removed under vacuum. The residue was partitioned between ethyl acetate and sodium hydrogen carbonate. The organic solvent was removed under vacuum and the residue was filtered. The precipitate was washed with water, and dried under vacuum. The solid was azeotroped with toluene and dried under vacuum to give 6-methoxy-7-(piperidin-4-ylmethoxy)-3-((pivaloyloxy)methyl)-3,4-dihydroquinazolin-4-one (1.7 g, 92%).

MS-ESI: 404 [MH]⁺

¹H NMR Spectrum: (DMSOd₆; CF₃COOD) 1.15 (s, 9H), 1.45-1.6 (m, 2H), 1.95 (d, 2H), 2.1-2.25 (m, 1H), 2.95 (t, 2H), 3.35 (d, 2H), 3.95 (s, 3H), 4.1 (d, 2H), 5.95 (s, 2H), 7.23 (s, 1H), 7.54 (s, 1H), 8.45 (s, 1H)

A 37% aqueous solution of formaldehyde (501 μl, 6 mmol) followed by sodium cyanoborohydride (228 mg, 3.6 mmol) were added in portions to a solution of 6-methoxy-7-(piperidin-4-ylmethoxy)-3-((pivaloyloxy)methyl)-3,4-dihydroquinazolin-4-one (1.21 g, 3 mmol) in a mixture of THF/methanol (10 m/10 ml). After stirring for 30 minutes at ambient temperature, the organic solvents were removed under vacuum and the residue was partitioned between methylene chloride and water. The organic layer was separated, washed with water and brine, dried (MgSO₄) and the volatiles were removed by evaporation. The residue was triturated with ether and the resulting solid was collected by filtration, washed with ether and dried under vacuum to give 6-methoxy-7-(1-methylpiperidin-4-ylmethoxy)-3-((pivaloyloxy)methyl)-3,4-dihydroquinazolin-4-one (1.02 g, 82%).

MS-ESI: 418 [MH]⁺

¹H NMR Spectrum: (CDCl₃) 1.19 (s, 9H), 1.4-1.55 (m, 2H), 1.9 (d, 2H), 2.0 (t, 2H), 1.85-2.1 (m, 1H), 2.3 (s, 3H), 2.92 (d, 2H), 3.96 (s, 3H), 3.99 (d, 2H), 5.94 (s, 2H), 7.08 (s, 1H), 7.63 (s, 1H), 8.17 (s, 1H)

A saturated solution of ammonia in methanol (14 ml) was added to a solution of 6-methoxy-7-(1-methylpiperidin-4-ylmethoxy)-3-((pivaloyloxy)methyl)-3,4-dihydroquinazolin-4-one (1.38 g, 3.3 mmol) in methanol (5 ml). After stirring for 20 hours at ambient temperature, the suspension was diluted with methylene chloride (10 ml). The solution was filtered. The filtrate was evaporated under vacuum and the residue was triturated with ether, collected by filtration, washed with ether and dried under vacuum to give 6-methoxy-7-(1-methylpiperidin-4-ylmethoxy)-3,4-dihydroquinazolin-4-one (910 mg, 83%).

MS-ESI: 304 [MH]⁺

¹H NMR Spectrum: (DMSOd₆) 1.3-1.45 (m, 2H), 1.75 (d, 2H), 1.7-1.85 (m, 1H), 1.9 (t, 2H), 2.2 (s, 3H), 2.8 (d, 2H), 3.9 (s, 3H), 4.0 (d, 2H), 7.13 (s, 1H), 7.45 (s, 1H), 7.99 (s, 1H)

The following tests were used to demonstrate the activity of ZD6474 in combination with ionising radiation.

Calu-6 Xenograft Model

Calu-6 (lung carcinoma) cells were obtained from the American Type Culture Collection (Manassas, Va.). All cell culture reagents, where not specified, were obtained from Life Technologies, Paisley, UK. Cells were maintained as exponentially growing monolayers in Eagle's Minimal Essential Medium (EMEM) containing 10% FCS (Labtech International, Ringmer, UK), 2 mM L-glutamine (Sigma Chemical Co., Poole, UK), 1% sodium pyruvate (100 mM) and 1% non-essential amino acids. Cells were periodically screened for the presence of microplasma in culture, and analysed for 15 types of virus in a mouse antibody production test (AstraZeneca Central Toxicology Laboratories, Alderley Park, UK) prior to routine use in vivo.

Calu-6 cells (2×10⁷ cells/ml) were prepared for implantation in a mixture of 50% (v/v) matrigel (Fred Baker, Liverpool, UK) in serum free Roswell Park Memorial Institute (RPMI)-1640 media. Tumour xenografts were established by subcutaneously injecting 0.1 ml of the cell suspension (i.e. 2×10⁶ cells/mouse) into female Alderley Park nude mice (nu/nu genotype; 8-10 weeks of age). Once a palpable tumour was evident, tumour volume was assessed daily by calliper measurement and calculated using the formula, length×width×height.

Mice were randomised into groups of eight, prior to treatment, when tumours measured 225-315 mm³. Ionising radiation, where given, was administered at a dose rate of 2 Gy per min to unanaesthetised mice restrained in polyvinyl jigs with lead shielding and a cut away section to allow local irradiation of the tumour by the unilateral beam (Pantac X-ray set). Jigs were turned through 180° halfway through the radiation exposure time to provide a uniform dosing. Radiation was administered either as a single dose (5 Gy on day 1) or by multiple daily dosing (2 Gy/day on days 1-3). Thirty minutes after the last dose of radiation, ZD6474 (25 mg/kg), or vehicle, was administered by oral gavage (0.1 ml/10 g body weight) and then once-daily thereafter for a further 13 days (i.e. 14 days of oral treatment in total). ZD6474 was prepared as a suspension in 1% polysorbate 80 (i.e. a 1% (v/v) solution of polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan mono-oleate in deionised water). Mice were humanely killed when the relative volume of their tumour reached four times that at the initiation of therapy (RTV₄). A two-tailed two-sample t-test was used to evaluate the significance of the results obtained. TABLE 1 RTV₄ in Days Radiation Drug Treatment RTV₄ Treatment (for 14 days post-irradiation) (days) SE None ZD6474 Vehicle 8.8 0.7 5 Gy ZD6474 Vehicle 20.0 1.5 3 × 2Gy ZD6474 Vehicle 23.1 1.3 None ZD6474 (25 mg/kg/day) 12.1 0.4 5 Gy ZD6474 (25 mg/kg/day) 25.5 0.5 3 × 2Gy ZD6474 (25 mg/kg/day) 28.1 0.7 The data are shown graphically in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2.

The data indicate that in each case (5 Gy or 3×2 Gy experiments) the combination of radiation plus ZD6474 provided a better therapeutic effect than either therapy alone. RTV₄ Comparison P value* (5Gy + ZD6474) Vs. (5Gy + vehicle) 0.006 (5Gy + ZD6474) Vs. (ZD6474) P < 0.001 (3 × 2Gy + ZD6474) Vs. (3 × 2Gy + vehicle) 0.007 (3 × 2Gy + ZD6474) Vs. (ZD6474) P < 0.001 *P value by two-sample t-test (assuming unequal variance)

In an analogous experiment using the Calu-6 xenograft model described hereinbefore different schedules were investigated.

Mice bearing Calu-6 tumours (220-300 mm³) were randomized into groups of eight, to receive either ZD6474 (50 mg/kg p.o. once daily) or vehicle only (1% polysorbate in deionized water) for the duration of the experiment. ZD6474, or vehicle, was also administered with or without radiotherapy (3×2 Gy at 24-hour intervals during the first 3 days of treatment). Where mice received 50 mg/kg ZD6474 plus radiation therapy, two treatment schedules were examined.

-   -   a) Concurrent combination treatment: ZD6474 dosing given 2 hours         prior to the first dose of radiation; and     -   b) Sequential combination treatment: ZD6474 dosing given 30         minutes after the last dose of radiotherapy.

An additional group of mice bearing Calu-6 xenografts were treated with vehicle and 5×2 Gy of radiotherapy at 24 hour intervals.

Treatment efficacy was assessed by measuring the time for tumours to quadruple in volume (RTV₄) from their pretreatment size and calculating the relative growth delay (i.e. comparing RTV₄ values from individual treated groups, with that of the control). TABLE 2 RTV₄ and Tumour growth delay in days RTV₄ Growth delay Treatment (n = 8 per group) (days ± SE) (days ± SE) Vehicle  8 ± 0.5 NA 50 mg/kg ZD6474 17 ± 1.0  9 ± 1.1 3 × 2 Gy plus vehicle 25 ± 1.7 17 ± 1.8 3 × 2 Gy plus 50 mg/kg ZD6474 44 ± 0.9 36 ± 1.0 (sequential) 3 × 2 Gy plus 50 mg/kg ZD6474 30 ± 1.0 22 ± 1.1 (concurrent) 5 × 2 Gy plus vehicle  46 ± 4.0* 38 ± 4.0 *based upon n = 7; one tumour/group did not achieve RTV₄ within 100 days post-treatment The data are shown graphically in FIG. 3.

The data show that 50 mg/kg dose of ZD6474 combined with 3×2 Gy radiation treatment gave a growth delay that was significantly greater than that of either single treatment alone. Sequential combination treatment with radiation and 50 mg/kg ZD6474 inhibited tumour growth significantly more than when the same agents were combined concurrently (growth delays of 36±1.0 days and 22±1.1 days respectively).

The antitumour effect produced by sequential combination treatment with 3×2 Gy radiation and 50 mg/kg ZD6474 was greater than the sum of the growth delays induced by the individual therapies, and comparable to treatment with 5×2 Gy of radiation alone. 

1. A method for the production of an antiangiogenic and/or vascular permeability reducing effect in a warm-blooded animal, which comprises administering to said animal an effective amount of 4-(4-bromo-2-fluoroanilino)-6-methoxy-7-(1-methylpiperidin-4-ylmethoxy)quinazoline, also known as ZD6474:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, before, after or simultaneously with an effective amount of ionising radiation.
 2. A method for the treatment of a cancer in a warm-blooded animal, which comprises administering to said animal an effective amount of ZD6474 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, before, after or simultaneously with an effective amount of ionising radiation.
 3. A method for the treatment of a cancer involving a solid tumour in a warm-blooded animal, which comprises administering to said animal an effective amount of ZD6474 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, before, after or simultaneously with an effective amount of ionising radiation. 4-6. (canceled) 